1
2
as in to disturb
to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy
there's no need to agitate the patient about little things
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to shake
to make a series of small irregular or violent movements
set the washing machine so it will agitate for four minutes before going into the rinse cycle
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to discuss
to talk about (an issue) usually from various points of view and for the purpose of arriving at a decision or opinion
a question which has been agitated by the legislature time and time again
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of agitate
With its ethnic and regional diversity, and with some groups openly agitating for separation, the risk of fragmentation is a distinct possibility.
—
Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
Unexpectedly the train cars agitate and the train screeches to a halt.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
This do-it-yourself kit includes a flexible round brush with a drill attachment that can reach up to 30 feet into your dryer vent hose to agitate and remove lint and dust trapped inside.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
The idea was to agitate in a way that, up to that point, hadn’t really been done effectively — using real patients across the country in an organized fashion to tell their stories about the struggle to afford their medicines.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026
Unexpectedly the train cars agitate and the train screeches to a halt.
—Literary Hub, 15 Jan. 2026
This do-it-yourself kit includes a flexible round brush with a drill attachment that can reach up to 30 feet into your dryer vent hose to agitate and remove lint and dust trapped inside.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 6 Jan. 2026
The idea was to agitate in a way that, up to that point, hadn’t really been done effectively — using real patients across the country in an organized fashion to tell their stories about the struggle to afford their medicines.
—Ed Silverman, STAT, 5 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for agitate
Recent Examples of Synonyms for agitate
Verb
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Cook, stirring occasionally, until butter starts to foam and turns brown, about 5 minutes.—
Sabrina Weiss,
PEOPLE,
29 Jan. 2026
-
This stirring biopic dramatizes the steps taken by Emmett's mother, Mamie Till-Mobley (Danielle Deadwyler), to seek justice against the odds by bringing the tragedy to the national media, helping spur the Civil Rights Act of 1957.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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He was also disturbed by the 2016 murder of Labour parliamentarian Jo Cox by a far-right figure associated with neo-Nazi groups who had been radicalized online.—
Andrew Lapin,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Jan. 2026
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But then Detective Nathanial Saint shows up carrying disturbing news and an even more unexpected jolt of creativity.—
Lizz Schumer,
PEOPLE,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
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This should have people across the country absolutely shook.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
30 Jan. 2026
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The officer in the black beanie appears to shake a pepper spray canister toward protesters.—
Yahya Abou-Ghazala,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Glenn and Engstrand had been discussing his role for several days before deciding to move on.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
28 Jan. 2026
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The status conference in New York City — to discuss how the case would move forward to trial — was abruptly canceled on Tuesday and a new date was not set.—
Beril Akman,
Bloomberg,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Zamiri doesn’t really bother filming fans rushing Charli’s car or whatever—this has been the quintessential mock-pop-doc scene since A Hard Day’s Night but these days the fans rush you online.—
Anna Gaca,
Pitchfork,
30 Jan. 2026
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Aquarius' biggest struggle in 2026 Don’t bother trying to control the outcome.—
Valerie Mesa,
PEOPLE,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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From vibrating steering wheels, haptic smartwatches, and even gaming controllers.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Jan. 2026
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The vibrating bristles of this electric version can break up and sweep away plaque more effectively.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
28 Dec. 2025
Verb
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Immigration reform was being debated in Congress, fueling hope that immigrants like her might finally get a pathway to legal residency.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
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Nutrition policy is increasingly debated through separate legislative channels.—
Stephen Martin,
Oklahoma Watch,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
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In Oklahoma, House Bill 1597 states that staying within 25 feet of law enforcement, correctional, probation, parole, or EMS personnel with the intent to harass, interfere, or distract them while conducting their duties can be considered a misdemeanor if an initial warning is ignored.—
Josh Kelly,
Oklahoman,
30 Jan. 2026
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This unprecedented attack on the First Amendment and transparent attempt to distract attention from the many crises facing this administration will not stand.—
Todd Spangler,
Variety,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Agitate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/agitate. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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